Broadcasters deserve a more level playing field

RTE is likely to get more of the taxpayers' scarce and hard-earned money. That is the upshot of a complex review process by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) published yesterday. The national public service broadcaster currently receives €184m in licence fees – the €160 all of us must pay each year.

RTE is likely to get more of the taxpayers' scarce and hard-earned money. That is the upshot of a complex review process by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) published yesterday. The national public service broadcaster currently receives €184m in licence fees – the €160 all of us must pay each year.

The BAI also tells us that RTE will have to cut its advertising time in return for getting more funding. We sincerely hope this condition is followed through on.

Much of what RTE does is excellent and a valuable service to the nation. But equally, some of its output is decidedly commercial, and the organisation is in a rather privileged and protected position, getting a citizens' levy along with the right to sell advertising.

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